Objective
Students will learn from Jesus’ example how to engage others with compassion, truth, and love.
Warm Up
Friend Finder – Pair students with someone they don’t know well. Give them 3 minutes to ask fun questions (favorite food, hidden talent, funniest fail). After time is up, have them introduce their partner to the group by sharing the most interesting thing they learned.
If the group is larger, have students break into smaller circles and share two facts about their partner instead of just one.
Discuss:
- How did it feel to share and be known, even in a short time?
- Why do you think we often keep conversations at surface level?
- What helps a simple conversation turn into something deeper and more meaningful?
- How can asking good questions open doors to really understanding somone’s story?
Transition
In John 3, Jesus talked with Nicodemus—a religious leader at the top of society. In John 4, He met the woman at the well—an outsider with a messy past. Jesus shows us He came for everyone, no matter their background. Let’s watch this scene from The Chosen and see how He speaks life into her story.
The Clip
Play “Woman At The Well” from Season 1, Episode 8 of The Chosen.
- What emotions did you notice in the woman as Jesus spoke with her?
- How would you describe the way Jesus treated her?
- Why is it important that He met her in her everyday setting rather than at the temple or synagogue?
- What does this scene show about how Jesus feels toward people who feel unworthy or rejected?
Transition
Jesus is giving us a master class in evangelism. He models how to engage people who are far from God– with compassion, honesty, and intentional love.
(Editor’s Note: Check out Robby’s message on “The Woman At The Well” in its entirety.)
Let’s walk through what that looks like.
Bible Study
Read John 4:7-26
Jesus meets the woman, engages her story, and reveals who He is. Let’s look at the five ways Jesus approached her:
Intentionally pursued her – He met her where she was.
- Who in your life might God be calling you to pursue?
Relationally connected – He accepted her as she was.
- How can you show acceptance without approving of everything someone does?
Compassionately cared – He engaged her story.
- How can really listening demonstrate God’s love?
Patiently clarified – He processed alongside her.
- Why is patience important in spiritual conversations?
Continually proclaimed – He shared the truth in love.
- How can we keep both grace and truth together when talking with others?
Read John 4:39-42
The woman shares her story, and many believe.
- Why do you think her story was so powerful, even though she had a messy past?
- What does this teach us about how God uses our testimonies?
- Who in your life might be impacted if you shared part of your story?
- How can we, like Jesus, be known as “friends of sinners” in a way that reflects His heart?
Wrap Up
The woman at the well reminds us that evangelism isn’t about perfect speeches or having all the answers. It’s about pursuing people, building relationships, showing compassion, and speaking truth in love. Just like her, our stories—no matter how broken—can point others to Jesus.
Challenge
This week, ask God to show you someone who is spiritually thirsty. Be intentional about starting a conversation, listen well, and look for a natural way to share how Jesus has met you in your own life.